MetroWest Young Women's Group Praised At State House For Advocacy Work

HOPKINTON, MA - A group of MetroWest female teen leaders met with state Sen. President Karen Spilka last week at the State House to present the results of a teen mental health survey they compiled as members of the Athena Council.

Named after the Greek goddess of war, wisdom, law, justice and inspiration, the MetroWest Athena Council is a mentoring offshoot of the the MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women. This group of young women advocates has worked on several topics during the past school year, including improved mental health services in schools, human trafficking in MetroWest, and making feminine hygiene products free and accessible for students.

The group was invited to meet with Spilka and her policy team because a staff member was impressed by a presentation on teen mental health needs that the Athena Council presented on June 5 at its ice cream social event area legislators and local officials. About 25 dignitaries attended the event, which allowed the teens to talk one-on-one with officials about their concerns and how to best address them.

"Basically, the idea is for them to learn how state government works," explained Heather Panahi, the co-chair of the MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women. "And it's also to empower them to become the changemakers in their communities."

The Athena Council's visit coincided with the last meeting of the year of Spilka's Youth Advisory Council comprised of high schools juniors and seniors who live in her district. This council, which meets quarterly, worked on similar issues in their area. Both groups presented information they gathered and discussed potential topics for legislation to address pressing issues.

"Basically, the idea is for them to learn how state government works," explained Heather Panahi, the co-chair of the MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women. "And it's also to empower them to become the changemakers in their communities."

Panahi and six members of the Athena Council went to the State House to share the group's presentation with the Youth Advisory Council, Spilka and her staff on their research on the mental health needs of teenage students. From there, everyone began sharing ideas for legislation they could propose to put their ideas into motion.

"There was this wonderful discussion among the young people about reasonable, actionable steps that could be taken to improve the mental health needs and support services of young people in the region," Panahi said.

Youth Advisory Council members gave a presentation on similar issues in their communities, and Athena Council members shared their feedback. They all watched the Senate debate the override of Gov. Charlie Baker's veto of the Work and Family Mobility Act, which the Senate passed in a 32-8 vote.

"I think for the girls, it was really meaningful to see government in action," Panahi continued. "To be a part of that historical moment was really special."

The Athena Council is recruiting members for the next academic year. The members should identify as female, be between the ages of 14 and 19, and either live or go to school in MetroWest. To apply, go to this link. For more information, email the MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women here.